When I tried various software in the past, I’d struggled with the coding side of drupal.

However, these Opensource Software programs like Drupal, Joomla and WordPress just keep getting better and easier over time.  Eventually you find one you like, master how it works and start having fun building membership sites that make money.

With Joomla, Drupal and WordPress, you do not have to worry because they are free on most basic hosting packages.

To install Drupal and see how you like it, simply use Fantastico on the CPanel of your hosting account.  If you do not know what that it, it is the thing you see when you sign into your hosting account.  It has a dashboard (cpanel) and you find the button that says Fantastico.  Then you follow the wizard to set up your drupal membership website.

If you play with Drupal for a couple of hours and do not like it, then you switch to another one and uninstall Drupal.  No big deal.  Really.  Go give it a try.

• Are you looking for a Membership Website Script?
• Are you looking for Membership Website Software?
• Are you looking for Membership Website Plugin?
• Are you trying to find Membership Website SAAS?
• What about a Membership Website Widget?

All these different terms get used in different ways by people, making it hard to know what you are looking for.  Here is a quick guide to Membership Website Scripts and other terminology – just so you know what you are looking for.

Membership Website Script

The word script usually refers to a third party tool where you place a few lines of script (code) in the footer of your membership website.  Typically it is independent of whichever Membership Website Software System you have chosen.

Membership Website Software

Membership Website Software is usually a full content management system that may be specifically designed for membership websites or it may simply have the features to make it a good option for membership websites.  Examples are WordPress, Joomla, Drupal and Moodle.

Membership Website Plugin

A plugin is much like a script, but it is designed for one particular platform.  So a WordPress membership website plugin will only work in WordPress.  The good thing about a plugin over a script is that it is designed to be easy to install and configure within your membership website software.

Membership Website SAAS

SAAS stands for Software as a Service.  This is a more expensive option because someone is doing the work, development, support and hosting of your membership site for you.  However, a good Membership Website SAAS will free you up to create great information and market the membership website.

Membership Website Widget

Membership Website Widgets are pieces of code nearly the same as a plug in.  Widgets have special properties that make them easier to set up and move around in your membership website software.  Not all membership site software supports widgets, but those that do make it much easier for non-tech people to customize the tools and interfaces.